new to tractor

[rchatel]

I purchased a 2004 New Holland TC35DA HST, with 135 hours. Oil appears to be pretty black. Does a diesel engine's oil get this way quickly, or does this indicate that it was not too well maintained? Also, the ignition lock has some kind of problem where the key will turn even if it is not fully inserted, and dash lights come on at first position (this seems normal for the "on" position), but then lights go out when going to start position, and switch doesn't always return to "on", sometimes leaving the starter engaged.
Has anyone seen this before, and advice on maybe how to fix this?
Thanks.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

A diesel engine will turn oil BLACK very quickly. This is normal.

As for the switch problem, I suspect the only fix will be to replace it. It is probably under warrenty.

 

[Soundguy]

Bob gave you good advice.. the switch sounds like it is just about to come apart.

As for the oil.. Hopefully the tractor recieved it's 'break in' service.. at whatever interval the manufacturer specified.. like 50hrs.. or 100 hrs... but in any event.. I always change the fluids on a tractor.. unless it just rolled off the showroom floor... that way I KNOW what fluid is in it.

And yes.. diesel crankcase oil soots up fairly quickly... so does the engine... 135 hrs is plenty of time for soot to accumulate. Expect to ghange it and have that oil go sooty again after some hours of usage... no big deal...

Soundguy

 

[boomer4snow]

I have a TC40DA HST 2004 model with 116 hrs on it. Any diesel engine will "soot up" the oil fast, mine will do it in 15 hours. My cummins will do it in 1 tank of fuel, so no problem there. The "Break in" service should have been done at 50 hours, and another service at 150, and 300 hours if memory serves (somebody please correct me if I'm wrong)

Your switch is broke, should not be working like that at all. It should be just like a vehicle, 1 click for glow-plugs next click is run, and final click is start, but it should snap right back to run just like every car you have driven does. ( I may have missed a click between off and glowplugs for acc. but I am 500 miles from the tractor right now /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif